Chelsea’s hopes of qualifying for the Champions League next season have collapsed after a 1–3 loss to Nottingham Forest on Monday afternoon at their home ground, Stamford Bridge, news.ng reports.
Nigerian international Taiwo Awoniyi opened the scoring two minutes after kick-off.
The lead was doubled in the 15th minute courtesy of Igor Jesus, who converted a penalty to make it 2–0.
Chelsea’s efforts to reduce the deficit were obstructed following an incident involving their teenage star, Jerry Derry, who was involved in a head collision with Forest player Zach Abbott, leading into half-time.
Both teams returned for the second half, and it was Awoniyi who found the back of the net again in the 52nd minute to make it 3–0.
Despite the sacking of Liam Rosenior, Chelsea have not been able to regain their rhythm, but managed to reduce the deficit in the 90+3rd minute through Joao Pedro.
Chelsea’s defeat on Monday marks their fifth consecutive Premier League loss, leaving them with little or no chance of qualifying for the Champions League.
The Blues are currently 8th on the table with 50 points, while Forest are 16th with 42 points.
